While some may find the strobe feature in flashlights not-so-useful on many occasions, it is not surprising to see people asking, “why do flashlights have strobe?”
The general assumption is that you’re most likely using a flashlight in the dark, and since you need the light from the flash concentrated so you can see what you’re doing, the strobe feature may seem a little unnecessary.
The strobe feature in a flashlight isn’t just an irrelevant element of design as some may assume, but rather it could turn out to be an essential safety feature in various circumstances.
What is strobe mode in a flashlight?
The strobe mode in the flashlight is the setting that allows the flashlight to give off light at a flashing intensity.
It functions between continuous brightness and a switch-off button.
On some flashlights, it may have a dedicated control, and having to toggle between this mode to switch it on or off may leave one wondering why it is important.
Why do flashlights have strobe?
The strobe mode in a flashlight is important, which may not seem apparent initially, but comes in handy as a piece of equipment when trying to call for attention in the dark.
While it is not always required for most flashlight users, it would not be appropriate to assume that it won’t be useful for most users.
Hence the need to include the strobe feature on the flashlight.
Some flashlights have the strobe feature as a necessary measure for self-defense or tactics if the need ever arises.
Except you’re a hunter, you’re most likely not going to be walking out in the dark with your flashlight anticipating trouble that would warrant you using the strobe mode.
But as an important feature, the strobe mode comes in handy when it is required for safety or other reasons.
It could also be used as a marker to track a person holding the flashlight or to help others trace the location where it is placed.
How strobe flashlight works?
On a flashlight, the strobe function works by emitting light in short bursts and at an interval that is often too fast for the eyes to adjust.
What is a strobe flashlight used for?
1. Self-defense:
Strobe flashlight is commonly identified as a means of self-defense against an attacker and as a means to get away from an assailant.
The lighting can significantly cause the attacker to lose focus, balance, and control, as it causes a series of visual disturbances, and makes it difficult for the eyes to focus, due to the on-off speed and the varying light intensity that’s being emitted from the flashlight.
A strobe flashlight can provide enough light for a victim to get away before the captor is visually and mentally balanced to use a weapon, or apply force or aggression.
A high-intensity strobe light may cause temporary blindness, and disruption of the attacker’s night vision, in the case where the attacker has a strong visual perception at night.
2. Tactical purpose:
Flashlights with strobe are beneficial for tactical purposes, especially when it has to deal with combat scenarios.
The strobe feature in flashlights is beneficial in inducing fear in the mind of a victim or assailant and can be used as a painless way to disorient the person’s thinking.
Also, a strobe light is effective in helping to disrupt the attacker’s vision, which is a pivotal aspect of the person’s ability to use force or activate a weapon.
The person using a strobe flashlight can quickly gain control over the assailant or find a way to escape while the victim struggles to retain a balance.
3. Attract attention at night:
Another important benefit of strobe flashlights is that they can be used to call attention at night.
Strobe lighting is particularly common with patrol forces on the highway who apply it to signal an oncoming vehicle to slow down or halt.
A lost person may also use a strobe flashlight to call the attention of a group or rescue team at night, till the person gets help or locates others.
Others may also use strobe lighting as a source of reference, where it is used to call attention to a certain location or item within an area.
4. To give directions:
A strobe flashlight can be used to point directions at night.
It may be used to indicate a central gathering point to hikers within a group or indicate the trail to follow.
5. Deter wild animals during hunting
Like humans, wild animals will also find lighting from strobe flashlights uncomfortable and will rather move away from the source of the light than go close to it.
This helps to instill a sense of safety when going hunting or hiking in the woods.
The flashlight can effectively disorient the animal, make it weak and lose focus when focused in the right direction.
Usually, an animal that comes too close to the lighting may lose control and find it difficult to engage any defensive strategy, as it’s unsure of the situation.
When To Use High-Intensity Strobe Flashlight?
A high-intensity strobe flashlight emits brightness in over 1000 lumens and can light up an area almost as daylight.
A high-intensity flashlight is highly required for hunting, hiking, and self-defense. Hence a hiker may look to get one. A hunter requires a high-intensity strobe flashlight to disorient a target animal or to scare a wild animal off.
FAQs
1. Are strobe effective?
Strobe lighting is effective when properly used within the context and is handled by an intelligent person.
When handled in similar situations, you understand that the positioning of the flashlight will determine how effective the strobe turns out to be.
Also, it’s important to understand that it shouldn’t be considered a combat weapon in itself, but rather it should be used as a tool to gain time or distract an attacker and offset the visual balance.
Beyond this, the strobe light should not be relied on as a weapon.
2. Should you use a strobe flashlight?
Since strobe lighting is considered a good self-defense tool, with numerous benefits, it’s okay to use strobe lights in such circumstances.
However, it is not used as a tool to inflict harm when it is not outrightly necessary to do so.
